What are the regulations for asbestos disposal in the UK?

The disposal of asbestos in the UK is governed by strict regulations, as it is classified as hazardous waste (or "special waste" in Scotland) when it contains more than 0.1% asbestos. The key legislation is the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 (and equivalent legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland).

Here are the core regulations for disposal:

1. Classification and Packaging

• Hazardous Waste: Waste containing more than 0.1% asbestos is hazardous waste and must be dealt with accordingly.

  
  

• Double-Bagging/Wrapping: Asbestos waste must be double-bagged in thick, strong plastic bags, or securely wrapped in polythene sheeting for larger items (like large asbestos cement sheets) to prevent fibre release.

  
  

• Labelling: All bags or wrapping must be clearly marked with the asbestos warning label to indicate that it contains asbestos. Licensed contractors typically use special red sacks with the warnings printed on them.

  
  

• No Mixing: Asbestos waste must not be mixed with other types of waste.

  
  

2. Transport and Carriers

• Licensed Carriers: Only Registered Waste Carriers who are licensed for hazardous waste transport are permitted to move asbestos waste. You must check that the carrier has the appropriate licence (e.g., from the Environment Agency in England).

  
  

• Secure Transport: The waste must be stored and transported in a sealed container (such as a covered, locked skip) that is clearly marked.

  
  

• Documentation: Every movement of asbestos waste must be documented using a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note. This note tracks the waste from the producer to the final disposal site, and records must be kept for at least two years.

  
  

3. Disposal Sites

• Licensed Facilities Only: Asbestos waste can only be disposed of at a landfill site that has a specific permit or licence to accept hazardous waste, including asbestos. You must check that the site is authorised.

  
  

• Separate Disposal: Even at an authorised landfill, the asbestos waste is typically disposed of in a separate, self-contained cell to prevent contamination with other waste.

  
  

• Incineration is generally not permitted for asbestos waste.

4. Who Can Remove/Dispose of It?

• Licensed Contractors: Higher-risk work (like the removal of sprayed asbestos coatings, pipe lagging, or most work involving asbestos insulating board (AIB)) must only be carried out by a contractor licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

  
  

• Non-Licensed Work: Some lower-risk or small-scale work (like removing intact asbestos cement products) can be done by non-licensed workers, but this work is still subject to strict control measures, training requirements, and sometimes requires notification to the enforcing authority (Notifiable Non-Licensed Work - NNLW).

  
  

• Householders: If you are a householder removing small amounts of non-friable (e.g., bonded) asbestos from your own property, you may be able to take it to a local authority waste site that accepts it, often by arranging it with the council first. However, it's always safest to use a specialist licensed contractor.

  
  

If you are a business or landlord responsible for a non-domestic property, you also have a "Duty to Manage" any asbestos in the building, which includes managing its removal and disposal safely if necessary. For more information Contact Us here.

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